Baseball WA Covid-19 Update

Baseball WA, in this unprecedented and unique situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, has adopted changes to upcoming baseball activities and events to protect the health and wellbeing of participants and the wider community.

Decisions in relation to the health and safety of our baseball community have been given careful consideration. Baseball WA has participated in consultations with the federal and state government, Sport Australia and Baseball Australia and our state and territory baseball counterparts. As a result of these careful discussions, Baseball WA has reached the conclusion that finals planned for this weekend will go ahead, although with extra precautions in place. This is subject to any further developments and directives from the federal and state government and Baseball Australia.

Please see below for further updates on specific areas of Baseball WA’s activities.

2020 BWA Finals
In order to keep close contact and crowds to a minimum, junior (Saturday) and senior (Sunday) finals will be split across two venues and multiple timeslots.

The Baseball WA community should adhere to precautions and best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19 as a reminder ahead of this weekend’s finals. Non-essential spectators are encouraged to reconsider their attendance.

Please click HERE to view full recommendations on staying healthy, practicing good hygiene and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

2020 Australian Women’s Championships
Baseball Australia announced the postponement of the 2020 Australian Women’s Championships, with a new date not yet set until there is more clarity surrounding the situation.

Click HERE to view Baseball Australia’s full statement.  

Baseball WA will be in touch with players and staff to determine what this postponement looks like. In the coming weeks Baseball WA will also explore the potential for winter development programs for youth girls and women’s players to give them the opportunity to continue their development.

2020 Little League State Championships
With no decision made as of yet to cancel or postpone the 2020 Australian Little League Championships, and based on our communications from Baseball Australia, we will continue to plan for operating our Little League State Championships scheduled for mid-April. Baseball WA staff will work through options to minimise risk and ensure compliance with health and safety standards across all aspects of these events.

2020 Baseball WA Awards Night
Baseball WA has also reached the decision to post pone the Baseball WA Awards Night scheduled for Tuesday, 31 March to September.

Baseball WA staff will be working in the next few weeks and months to determine the format of this event, and how we can both celebrate this season’s award winners while also kicking off the next summer season.

"Our members, families and friends are first and foremost in this situation. We want to celebrate with our community, but we need to be mindful of the current health concerns and do our part to reduce the risk,” Baseball WA CEO Lachlan Dale said. “We will communicate closely with club presidents in the coming weeks on the format and what this may look like moving forward. We see it as a unique opportunity to celebrate a job well done while also launching the start of summer baseball in WA.”

Baseball WA also strongly urges its clubs to reconsider their non-essential events such as awards nights and presentations.

Further Updates
Please note that the Baseball WA staff will be holding a meeting on Wednesday, 18 March to further discuss operational plans moving forward, and updates will be communicated with club and charter presidents accordingly.

“We understand the situation is changing daily and many people have concerns regarding their health and regular activities,” Dale added. “Rest assured Baseball WA is monitoring the situation and will provide any updates as soon as they are available. We’re looking forward to BWA Finals while also taking extra steps to protect our community.”

Please note that all BWA activities are all subject to Baseball Australia, Federal and State Government guidelines and directions. We will continue to communicate to the Baseball community as further developments occur.